Wind Sword Sect, a secluded courtyard deep in the mountains.
The walls were made of blue-gray stone, the yard paved with flat blue tiles, green bamboo planted in the corners swaying in the wind. But now, scratches crisscrossed the stones, the walls and bamboo bore new cracks and scorches—the aftermath of a fierce battle.
Chen Yi stood at the center, breathing slightly fast, strands of hair stuck to his sweaty forehead. He faced an old man in blue robes, bowing deeply.
"Thank you for your instruction, Wind Sword Douluo. Chen Yi has benefited greatly."
Feng Bailong smiled, supporting him. Gratitude shone in his eyes.
"Young Master Chen was earnest. You went with the flow and did your best. As a young sect master, your talent and perseverance are outstanding.
At your age, to willingly hone your soul with sword intent—such courage and determination I have rarely seen."
After the banquet, Chen Yi had formally asked Feng Bailong to temper his spirit with sword intent.
Wind Sword Douluo Feng Bailong belonged to the Four Sects, having reached Titled Douluo level. His "Wind Sword" martial soul was unique, fusing the transparency of wind and sharpness of sword to the extreme, giving it a singular spiritual penetration.
Where the sword wind reached, it not only wounded the body but directly shook the opponent's mind, rendering defense futile. It was just the external force Chen Yi needed to suppress his spiritual bottleneck.
In their earlier spar, Feng Bailong used neither soul skills nor sword, only pure sword intent and spiritual piercing, transforming invisible force into tangible suppression, constantly honing Chen Yi's spirit.
The process was not easy—his control barely sufficed to keep the Titled Douluo-level spiritual force from harming Chen Yi's mind.
But Chen Yi was satisfied. Though he hadn't broken through to the "tangible and qualitative" final stage, this relief pointed him toward clear progress.
"Wind Sword Douluo, your reputation is truly deserved," Chen Yi said, suppressing his emotions.
"This issue has troubled me for long. Your instruction is engraved in my heart. Now that my purpose is fulfilled, I must return to my sect for other matters—please allow me to take my leave."
Feng Bailong hesitated, "Why the rush, Young Sect Master Chen? Stay a few more days so I may fulfill my duty as host."
He hoped to deepen relations with this promising young sect master. The earlier conflicts had made him appreciate Chen Yi's methods and the strength of his sect.
Chen Yi smiled, shaking his head. "I understand your kindness, but my travel plans are set. It would be inconvenient to stay longer. If there's a chance, I'll surely return to consult you in the future."
Seeing Chen Yi's resolve, Feng Bailong no longer insisted. "Then I won't force you. If you pass by Qianfeng City again, you must visit my Wind Sword Sect."
"Thank you, Your Excellency. We'll meet again."
Chen Yi bowed and left, quickly disappearing around the mountain path outside the courtyard.
….
Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Council Hall.
Ning Fengzhi sat upright, gripping his scepter, face filled with stern disappointment. His gaze fell on his bowed daughter, his warm eyes rarely so severe.
"Kneel."
Ning Rongrong's delicate body trembled. Biting her lip, she knelt resentfully, head down, nervously twisting her skirt hem.
"Do you know why you are kneeling?"
Ning Fengzhi asked.
Ning Rongrong mumbled, "Because… at the Wind Sword Sect… I said something I shouldn't have…"
"Now you realize you said something you shouldn't?"
Ning Fengzhi's voice was cold.
"Do you realize? Because of your 'unintentional' provocation, a Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan Soul Douluo was abolished on the spot, becoming a cripple. The relationship among the top three sects was already delicate. After this, the rift between our sect and the Blue Lightning Clan has deepened. Do you realize how much trouble and uncertainty you've brought upon our sect?!"
Ning Rongrong, frightened by her father's harsh tone, eyes reddened, tried to defend herself.
"Father, I really didn't mean for this to happen! I was just… just curious! How could I know it would become so serious? Chen Yi and that Blazing Heart Douluo are so cruel…"
"Cruel?"
Ning Fengzhi laughed angrily. "If you hadn't fanned the flames, Yu Tianheng's anger might not have spiraled out of control. Do you think you can control the situation with a bit of cleverness? If Chen Yi had truly wished you ill, your punishment would have been worse than public humiliation!"
Recalling the Wind Sword Sect's utter humiliation, Ning Rongrong paled, fear deepening, her cries growing louder.
"I… I know I was wrong… I'll never do it again…"
"Fengzhi!"
Gu Rong could no longer bear it. He moved to Ning Rongrong's side, shielding her as he spoke to Ning Fengzhi.
"Why are you so harsh on Rongrong? She's still a child. She made a foolish mistake, but the Blue Lightning Clan's boy was brainless, and Chen Yi was too domineering. What has any of it to do with our honor? At most, it was just a spectacle—no big deal!"
Bone Douluo always favored Ning Rongrong, unable to see her suffer.
Chen Xin also stepped forward, speaking up but not as directly,
"Fengzhi, the old bone is not unreasonable. Rongrong was wrong, but a minor punishment and major warning are enough. What matters now is handling the fallout. The Blue Lightning Clan has suffered a great loss—they won't let it go, but they dare not confront the Body Sect directly. This is our chance to prepare for their retaliation."
Seeing the two guardians intervene, Ning Fengzhi sighed helplessly. Every time he tried to discipline his daughter, these two would rush to her defense, making it hard to enforce any real lesson.
He rubbed his brow, lowering his voice.
"How can I not be angry? The situation in the land is chaotic. Spirit Hall's ambitions are clear, the Body Sect is rising, and the Clear Sky Sect has withdrawn further. I've worked to maintain the top three sects' status and influence. But this time, because of a little temper, we've made unnecessary enemies and ruined something important!"
Gu Rong pouted, wanting to retort, but Chen Xin raised a hand to stop him, then thoughtfully addressed Ning Fengzhi.
"Fengzhi, this matter… may also be a good thing."
"Oh? What do you mean, Uncle Sword?"
Ning Fengzhi's eyes sharpened.
Chen Xin explained,
"Judging by Yu Tianheng's actions at the Wind Sword Sect, his loyalty and admiration for Yu Xiaogang are almost blind. The importance of Yu Yuanzhen's 'useless' son was well known then. Otherwise, the clan would never have withstood such pressure to invest resources pushing him to level 29."
Ning Fengzhi tapped the table, thinking.
"Uncle Sword, do you mean… start with Yu Xiaogang?"
"Exactly."
Chen Xin nodded. "Yu Xiaogang is ambitious and talented, but craves recognition, especially from the mainstream soul master world. If we help him, we might use this to draw Yu Yuanzhen to our side."
Ning Fengzhi pondered, eyes flashing with calculation.
"Yu Xiaogang likes 'fame,' huh? Then our sect will help him with that."
….
As soon as Chen Yi exited the city gates, he saw a young man in luxurious robes, hands behind his back, gazing at the scenery. It was the eldest prince of the Star Luo Empire, Dai Weisi.
Seeing Chen Yi, Dai Weisi greeted him warmly.
"Brother Chen! What a coincidence—I'm just returning to Star Luo and didn't expect to run into you here."
Surprise flickered in Chen Yi's eyes, but he smiled and bowed.
"Your Highness. Are you setting out?"
Dai Weisi moved forward, his tone cordial.
"Yes. I'd hoped to reminisce with you here for a few days, but family affairs call me back. I regret not being able to host you in our Star Luo territory. I wanted to invite you to Star Luo City to enjoy our sights, but I know your schedule is tight."
Chen Yi knew Dai Weisi had waited here deliberately, but kept it off his face.
"Your Highness, you are thoughtful. I am indeed traveling freely, my itinerary uncertain—I wouldn't dare trouble you."
"Brother Chen, you're always so proper."
Dai Weisi smiled, shaking his head, as if helpless before Chen Yi's formality.
After some small talk, Dai Weisi looked up at the sky and said,
"It's getting late. I must return. Brother Chen, let's meet again soon."
"Your Highness, safe journey. Until next time."
Chen Yi bowed in farewell.
As Dai Weisi approached his carriage, he paused, turned, and spoke in a lowered voice.
"By the way, Brother Chen, if any family matters arise, please don't worry. Among my siblings, there are all sorts—good and bad. A few days ago, my younger brother suffered a setback, grew stubborn, and fled secretly to the Heaven Dou Empire."
Dai Weisi looked at Chen Yi for a reaction.
"Heaven Dou's territory is vast; finding someone is like searching for a needle in a haystack. If you run into my brother on your travels, perhaps you could persuade him to return to Star Luo. The royal family would be grateful, and I would be even more so."
Chen Yi understood immediately. In the original, Dai Mubai, unable to compete with Dai Weisi, had fled and appeared to waste his life. But with his rapid cultivation, there must have been secret support from the royal family.
Dai Weisi mentioned this now, seemingly out of concern, but also hoping to use outsiders to bring Dai Mubai back.
"Rest assured, Your Highness. If I meet the third prince on my journey, I will certainly pass on your message."
Dai Weisi's eyes brightened, smiling more deeply.
"I'm reassured by your words. Whatever the result, I, Dai Weisi, will remember this favor."
"Farewell!"
"Take care, Your Highness."
Dai Weisi boarded his carriage, the convoy heading toward Star Luo, soon disappearing down the road. As the dust settled, Chen Yi's polite smile faded, replaced by calm contemplation as he watched Dai Weisi depart.
Just then, the air shimmered and a familiar, fiery aura appeared.
"Why, tangled with Star Luo's people?"
Xie Xiaoqing's teasing voice rang out as she appeared at Chen Yi's side, arms folded, smiling at him.
Chen Yi turned, surprised.
"Aunt Seven, why are you here? Where's Dugu Yan?"
"She's been sent to Martial City," Xie Xiaoqing replied, then grew serious. "By order of the sect master, I'm here to bring you back to the sect at once."
"Return to the sect?"
Chen Yi was startled. He'd planned to keep traveling, seeking a chance to break through his spiritual bottleneck.
"What's happened?"
Xie Xiaoqing looked at him with excitement, lowering her voice. "Everything is ready for Master Zhu Hai's martial soul recovery—only you are needed."
Chen Yi's heart leapt.
Master Zhu Hai's martial soul, finally restored!
He took a deep breath, suppressing his excitement.
"Aunt, let's depart at once! Let's return to the sect!"
Xie Xiaoqing nodded, relief in her smile.
"Alright! Let's go—the sect masters are waiting!"
"Let's go!"
Chen Yi called, wings unfurling. He and Xie Xiaoqing became two streaks of light, racing toward the Yuntian Mountains.
...
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